Balsamic Strawberry Cheesecake with Brandy Cherry Topping

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups crushed Vanilla wafers
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 16 ounces of Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/2 cup cherry preserves

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix together the crushed vanilla wafers and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate saucepan, heat the balsamic vinegar and strawberry jam over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is reduced by half. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.
5. Stir the cooled balsamic strawberry mixture and chopped strawberries into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Pour the mixture over the prepared vanilla wafer crust.
6. Bake the cheesecake for 45 minutes or until the center is set. Let cool.
7. In a small saucepan, heat the brandy and cherry preserves over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
8. Pour the brandy cherry topping over the cheesecake and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.